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B1 adjective #8,000 le plus courant 13 min de lecture

ilógico

Top 8,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces ilógico en 30 secondes

Explication ilógico in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to describe things. You might not use the word 'ilógico' very often yet, but it is good to know because it looks a lot like the English word 'illogical.' In Spanish, adjectives (words that describe things) usually come after the noun. So, if you want to say 'an illogical game,' you would say 'un juego ilógico.' You also need to remember that if the thing you are describing is feminine, like 'una idea' (an idea), the word changes to 'ilógica.' At this level, you can use it in simple sentences like 'Es ilógico' (It is illogical) or 'No es ilógico' (It is not illogical). It is a useful word for when you see something that doesn't make sense, like a dog wearing shoes or someone eating soup with a fork! Even at A1, knowing cognates (words that look the same in two languages) helps you build your vocabulary faster. Just remember: Spanish words for 'it is' (es) are very important here. 'Es ilógico' is a complete thought you can use anytime you are confused by a situation. You should also notice that 'ilógico' has an accent on the 'o'. This tells you to put more stress on that part of the word when you speak: ee-LO-hee-ko. Practice saying it out loud to get used to the rhythm of Spanish words!

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At the A2 level, you are beginning to form more complex sentences and express more opinions. You can use 'ilógico' to describe your daily life. For example, you might say 'El tráfico en esta ciudad es ilógico' (The traffic in this city is illogical) or 'Este horario de trabajo es ilógico' (This work schedule is illogical). At this stage, you should focus on making sure the word matches the noun in gender and number. If you are talking about 'las reglas' (the rules), you must say 'ilógicas.' You are also learning to use basic connectors. You might say, 'Pienso que es ilógico porque...' (I think it is illogical because...). This allows you to start explaining your reasoning. Another important thing for A2 learners is the prefix 'i-'. In Spanish, adding 'i-' or 'in-' to the beginning of a word often means 'not.' So, 'lógico' means 'logical' and 'ilógico' means 'not logical.' Understanding this pattern will help you learn many other words, like 'posible' and 'imposible.' You might also hear people use 'ilógico' when they are talking about prices or weather. 'Es ilógico que haga tanto calor en invierno' (It is illogical that it is so hot in winter). Even if you don't know the complex grammar for 'que' yet, you can still use the word to show you are thinking critically about the world around you.

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As a B1 learner, you are entering the 'intermediate' stage where you can handle most situations while traveling and talk about abstract topics. 'Ilógico' is a perfect word for this level. One of the most important things to master at B1 is the use of the subjunctive mood. When you use the phrase 'Es ilógico que...', you are expressing an evaluation or an emotion about a fact, which almost always requires the subjunctive. For example: 'Es ilógico que no haya comida en la fiesta' (It is illogical that there is no food at the party). Notice the word 'haya' instead of 'hay'. This is a key marker of intermediate Spanish. You can also start using 'ilógico' in professional or academic settings. You might describe a 'razonamiento ilógico' (illogical reasoning) in an essay or a 'comportamiento ilógico' (illogical behavior) in a psychology class. You should also be aware of synonyms like 'absurdo' or 'sin sentido' and start choosing the best one for the situation. At B1, you are expected to move beyond simple descriptions and start analyzing things. 'Ilógico' allows you to do exactly that. You can also use the adverbial form, 'ilógicamente,' to describe how someone is acting. 'Él actuó ilógicamente durante la crisis' (He acted illogically during the crisis). This level is all about nuance, and 'ilógico' provides a way to express that something doesn't fit into the expected patterns of life or logic.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'ilógico' with high precision and in a variety of complex grammatical structures. You should feel comfortable using it with different verbs like 'resultar', 'parecer', or 'volverse'. For instance, 'Su propuesta resultó ser totalmente ilógica ante los ojos de la junta' (His proposal turned out to be totally illogical in the eyes of the board). You can also use it to discuss more complex philosophical or social issues. At this level, you should be able to distinguish between 'ilógico', 'incoherente', and 'incongruente'. While 'ilógico' refers to the reasoning process, 'incoherente' often refers to the lack of connection between parts of a whole, and 'incongruente' refers to things that don't match. You might say, 'Es ilógico pensar que el crecimiento infinito es posible en un planeta finito' (It is illogical to think that infinite growth is possible on a finite planet). This level requires you to use 'ilógico' to construct persuasive arguments. You should also be comfortable with the neuter form 'lo ilógico'. 'Lo ilógico de su postura es que contradice sus propios principios' (The illogical thing about his stance is that it contradicts his own principles). This structure is very common in advanced Spanish and helps you focus on the concept of 'the illogical part' of a situation. You should also be able to use the word in the conditional or past subjunctive to talk about hypothetical scenarios: 'Sería ilógico que aceptáramos esas condiciones' (It would be illogical for us to accept those conditions).

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At the C1 level, your use of 'ilógico' should be nuanced and effortless. You can use it to critique literature, art, and complex legal or scientific arguments. You might explore the 'estética de lo ilógico' (the aesthetics of the illogical) in surrealist painting or discuss how certain legal precedents are 'ilógicos' when viewed through the lens of modern human rights. At this level, you should be able to use the word in very formal registers. Instead of just saying something is 'ilógico', you might say it 'carece de toda lógica interna' (it lacks all internal logic) or that it is 'manifiestamente ilógico' (manifestly illogical). You can also use it to describe subtle flaws in logic that others might miss. For example, in a high-level debate, you might point out an 'ilógico salto argumentativo' (an illogical argumentative leap). Your vocabulary should also include related academic terms like 'silogismo', 'premisa', and 'conclusión', allowing you to explain *why* something is ilógico in great detail. You should also be aware of how the word has been used historically in Spanish philosophy. For instance, discussing the 'sentimiento trágico de la vida' often involves analyzing the 'ilógico' nature of existence. At C1, you aren't just using the word; you are using it as a scalpel to dissect ideas. You should also be able to use it ironically or sarcastically in sophisticated social interactions to point out social hypocrisies without being overly blunt.

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At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'ilógico' and its entire semantic field. You can use it with the subtle irony and cultural depth that characterizes highly educated native speakers. You might use it in a literary critique to describe a character's 'deriva ilógica' (illogical drift) or in a scientific paper to discuss 'paradojas ilógicas' in quantum mechanics. You are also fully aware of the word's etymological roots and can use that knowledge to play with the language. You might contrast 'ilógico' with 'alógico' (something that is outside of logic entirely, rather than just contradicting it). Your use of the word is perfectly integrated with complex syntax, including long, multi-clause sentences that maintain perfect agreement and mood. For example: 'Aun cuando se pretenda justificar tal medida bajo un manto de pragmatismo, resulta a todas luces ilógico que se sacrifiquen los derechos fundamentales en aras de una seguridad ilusoria.' (Even when one tries to justify such a measure under a cloak of pragmatism, it is clearly illogical to sacrifice fundamental rights for the sake of an illusory security.) At this level, 'ilógico' is just one of many tools in your vast rhetorical arsenal. You can use it to evoke specific emotional responses or to establish a position of intellectual authority. You also understand the word's place in the history of the Spanish language and how its usage might vary slightly across different Spanish-speaking regions, though it remains a universally understood term of high prestige.

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ilógico en 30 secondes

Ilógico is a Spanish adjective meaning 'illogical' or 'lacking sense.'
It must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies (ilógico/ilógica/ilógicos/ilógicas).
Commonly used with 'Es ilógico que...' followed by the subjunctive mood.
A useful word for critiquing arguments, behaviors, or confusing situations.

The Spanish adjective ilógico is a direct cognate of the English word 'illogical,' and it serves a critical role in expressing the absence of reason, coherence, or sound judgment. At its core, the word is formed by the prefix i- (a variant of in- used before the letter 'l'), which signifies negation or 'not,' combined with the root word lógico, derived from the Greek 'logikos,' pertaining to reason. In daily Spanish conversation, calling something ilógico is more than just a technical observation; it is often a way to express frustration, confusion, or a critique of a situation that defies common sense. Whether you are discussing a confusing plot point in a movie, a bizarre corporate policy, or a friend's contradictory behavior, ilógico provides a sophisticated way to point out that 'the math isn't mathing.'

Structural Analysis: The term is an adjective, meaning it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For example, 'un argumento ilógico' (a masculine singular noun) versus 'una decisión ilógica' (a feminine singular noun). In the plural, it becomes 'ilógicos' or 'ilógicas'.

Es totalmente ilógico que cierren la estación de metro justo en la hora punta cuando más gente la necesita.

In academic and professional contexts, ilógico is used to dismantle theories or proposals. If a scientist finds a result that contradicts established laws of physics without a clear explanation, they might label the finding as ilógico within the current paradigm. Similarly, in legal settings, an 'argumento ilógico' is one that contains internal contradictions.

Emotional Nuance: When used in personal relationships, the word can carry a sting. Telling someone 'tu reacción es ilógica' (your reaction is illogical) can be perceived as dismissive of their emotions, as it implies their feelings don't follow a rational path. It is often more polite to use phrases like 'no lo entiendo' (I don't understand it) unless you are intentionally being analytical or critical.

Me parece ilógico gastar tanto dinero en un coche nuevo cuando el viejo todavía funciona perfectamente.

Furthermore, the word appears frequently in literature and philosophy to describe the 'human condition.' Philosophers like Miguel de Unamuno often explored the tension between the 'lógico' (rational) and the 'vital' (emotional), sometimes suggesting that life itself is inherently ilógica because it cannot be fully explained by cold mathematics. Understanding this word helps learners navigate the bridge between simple descriptions and complex evaluations of the world around them. It is a B1 level word because it requires the speaker to step beyond concrete objects and start describing abstract concepts and the relationships between ideas.

Social Context: In modern social media discourse, you might see the word used to call out 'hypocrisy' or 'double standards.' If a public figure says one thing but does the opposite, followers might comment that the behavior is 'completamente ilógico.' It serves as a tool for accountability in public reasoning.

A veces, el amor es ilógico; uno no elige de quién se enamora siguiendo la razón.

By mastering 'ilógico', you gain a powerful adjective that allows you to engage in debates, express sophisticated opinions, and describe the complexities of human behavior and systematic errors. It is a versatile tool that bridges the gap between everyday talk and intellectual discussion.

Using ilógico correctly involves understanding both its grammatical behavior and its semantic placement. As an adjective, its primary job is to modify a noun, and in Spanish, this means it must match the noun in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural).

Gender and Number Agreement: Masculine Singular: El plan es ilógico. (The plan is illogical.)
Feminine Singular: La respuesta fue ilógica. (The response was illogical.)
Masculine Plural: Los resultados son ilógicos. (The results are illogical.)
Feminine Plural: Tus razones son ilógicas. (Your reasons are illogical.)

One of the most common ways to use ilógico is with the verb ser (to be), because being illogical is usually seen as an inherent quality of an idea or argument. However, it can also be used with parecer (to seem) or resultar (to turn out to be/to result in).

Esa conclusión me parece ilógica después de ver todos los datos que hemos recopilado.

When we want to emphasize the degree of illogicality, we use intensifiers like totalmente, completamente, absolutamente, or bastante.

Common Sentence Structures: 1. [Noun] + [Verb] + ilógico/a: 'Tu miedo es ilógico.'
2. Es + ilógico + que + [Subjunctive]: 'Es ilógico que no traigas paraguas si está lloviendo.' (Note: Using 'ilógico que' almost always triggers the subjunctive mood because it expresses an opinion or evaluation of a fact.)
3. Un/a + [Noun] + ilógico/a: 'Fue un encuentro ilógico.'

Es ilógico que el jefe pida más trabajo cuando ya estamos sobrecargados.

In the example above, the use of the subjunctive 'pida' is crucial. Because you are stating that the boss's request is illogical (an evaluation), the action that follows must be in the subjunctive. This is a key hurdle for B1 learners to overcome.

Subtle Distinctions: While 'ilógico' is generally used for thoughts and processes, it can also describe physical arrangements. For example, 'una distribución ilógica de los muebles' (an illogical furniture layout). This implies that the way things are placed doesn't make sense for the flow or use of the room.

La trama de la película se volvió tan ilógica al final que dejé de prestar atención.

Es ilógico pensar que el problema se resolverá solo sin ninguna intervención.

By practicing these structures, especially the 'Es ilógico que + subjunctive' pattern, you will sound much more natural and advanced in your Spanish communication. Always remember to check your noun's gender before choosing between 'ilógico' and 'ilógica'!

The word ilógico is ubiquitous across various domains of Spanish-speaking life, from the high-brow halls of academia to the heated debates in a local tapas bar. One of the most common places to encounter it is in news and political commentary. Journalists often use it to critique government policies or economic trends that seem to defy standard reasoning. You might hear a news anchor say, 'Resulta ilógico que los precios suban mientras que la demanda baja' (It turns out to be illogical that prices rise while demand falls). This usage highlights the role of the word as a tool for social and economic analysis.

In the Scientific Community: In laboratories and universities across Spain and Latin America, researchers use 'ilógico' to describe data that doesn't fit a hypothesis. If a chemical reaction produces an unexpected result, a scientist might remark, 'Este resultado es ilógico bajo estas condiciones experimentales.' It signals a need for further investigation or a rethink of the theory.

En el mundo de la tecnología, a veces los errores de software parecen ilógicos hasta que encuentras el fallo en el código.

Daily Life and Complaints: In everyday life, Spanish speakers use 'ilógico' to vent about bureaucracy. Whether it's the 'papeleo' (paperwork) required for a visa or the confusing layout of a supermarket, you'll hear '¡Es que es ilógico!' as a common refrain. It’s a way of saying 'This doesn't make any sense!' with a bit more intellectual weight than just saying 'Es tonto' (It's stupid).

Es ilógico que me cobren una comisión por sacar mi propio dinero del banco.

Philosophy and literature also lean heavily on this term. Spanish literature often deals with the 'absurd'—think of authors like Camilo José Cela or the playwrights of the 'teatro del absurdo'. While they use the word 'absurdo' frequently, ilógico is the foundational concept they are exploring: the breakdown of the logical structures we use to try and understand a chaotic world.

In Sports Commentary: Sports commentators use it to describe unexpected game outcomes. 'Fue un resultado ilógico; el equipo colista venció al líder invicto.' (It was an illogical result; the bottom team beat the undefeated leader.) In sports, 'ilógico' captures the unpredictability of the game.

La forma en que se comporta el clima últimamente parece totalmente ilógica.

By paying attention to these different contexts, you'll see that ilógico is a versatile tool for critique, analysis, and emotional expression across the entire Spanish-speaking world.

Even though ilógico is a cognate, English speakers often make specific errors when integrating it into their Spanish. The most frequent mistake is neglecting gender and number agreement. Because 'illogical' in English is immutable, learners often default to 'ilógico' regardless of what they are describing.

Agreement Errors: Incorrect: 'Las reglas son ilógico.'
Correct: 'Las reglas son ilógicas.'
Always look at the noun. If it's 'las reglas' (feminine plural), the adjective must be 'ilógicas'.

Another common pitfall is the confusion between ilógico and absurdo. While they are often interchangeable, ilógico specifically refers to a failure of logic or reasoning. Absurdo is broader and can mean 'ridiculous' or 'nonsensical' in a more general, sometimes humorous way. Calling a funny, nonsensical joke 'ilógico' might sound a bit too clinical; 'absurdo' would be better. Conversely, calling a mathematical error 'absurdo' might sound too harsh, while 'ilógico' is more precise.

Es ilógico decir que 2+2 son 5, pero es absurdo intentar convencer a una piedra de ello.

Misuse of 'Estar': Learners sometimes use 'estar' instead of 'ser'. While 'estar ilógico' is theoretically possible if you're describing a temporary state (like a person acting illogically for a moment), it is almost always 'ser ilógico' because the quality of being illogical is seen as a characteristic of the idea or argument itself.

No digas 'está ilógico' cuando hables de un plan; di 'el plan es ilógico'.

Another nuance is the difference between ilógico and irracional. Irracional is often used for emotions and fears (un miedo irracional), whereas ilógico is better suited for structures and arguments. If you say someone has an 'ilógico' fear, it sounds like you've analyzed the logic of the fear and found it lacking; if you say 'irracional', it sounds more like the fear is simply beyond the realm of reason.

Spelling Errors: English speakers often forget the accent on the 'o' (ilógico). In Spanish, the word is an 'esdrújula' (stressed on the third-to-last syllable), and all esdrújula words must have a written accent. Also, avoid the double 'l' from English (illogical -> ilógico).

Escribir 'illógico' con dos eles es un error común para los angloparlantes; recuerda que en español solo lleva una 'l'.

By being mindful of these common errors, you'll use 'ilógico' with the precision of a native speaker.

To truly master Spanish, you need to know when to use ilógico and when a different word might be more appropriate. Spanish is a rich language with many synonyms that offer slightly different shades of meaning.

Absurdo: Meaning: Absurd, ridiculous. Use this when something is not just illogical but so far from reason that it's laughable or nonsensical. 'Es absurdo que un gato lleve corbata.' (It's absurd for a cat to wear a tie.)
Irracional: Meaning: Irrational. Often used for feelings, behaviors, or fears that aren't based on logic. 'Tengo un miedo irracional a las arañas.' (I have an irrational fear of spiders.)
Incoherente: Meaning: Incoherent. Use this for speech or writing that doesn't stick together or make sense. 'Su discurso fue totalmente incoherente.' (His speech was totally incoherent.)

Mientras que un argumento ilógico falla en su razonamiento, un argumento incoherente ni siquiera se puede entender.

Descabellado: Meaning: Wild, far-fetched, hair-brained. Literally meaning 'hair-removed' (disheveled), it's used for ideas that are way out there. 'Es una idea descabellada.' (It's a crazy/wild idea.)
Incongruente: Meaning: Incongruous, inconsistent. Use this when two things don't match up. 'Sus acciones son incongruentes con sus palabras.' (His actions are inconsistent with his words.)

A veces, lo que parece ilógico a primera vista es simplemente una idea descabellada que termina funcionando.

Understanding these alternatives allows you to be more precise. If you are in a formal debate, ilógico or incongruente are your best bets. If you are joking with friends about a weird dream, absurdo or descabellado fit the mood better.

Antonyms: Lógico (Logical): The direct opposite.
Razonable (Reasonable): Something that makes sense and is fair.
Coherente (Coherent): Something that is consistent and logical.
Sensato (Sensible): Used for people who make good, logical decisions.

Es más lógico ahorrar un poco cada mes que gastarlo todo de golpe.

By expanding your vocabulary with these synonyms and antonyms, you will be able to express your thoughts on reasoning and sense with much greater nuance and accuracy.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The root 'logos' in Greek meant both 'reason' and 'word/speech', suggesting that to the Greeks, being logical and being able to speak clearly were the same thing.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ɪˈlɒdʒɪkəl/

US /ɪˈlɑːdʒɪkəl/

The stress is on the second syllable 'ló'.

Rime avec

biológico psicológico tecnológico ecológico metodológico mitológico antropológico geológico

Erreurs fréquentes

Stressing the first syllable like in English.
Pronouncing the 'g' like a hard 'g' instead of the Spanish 'j' sound.
Forgetting the accent on the 'o'.
Pronouncing the 'i' like the 'i' in 'it' (should be 'ee').
Adding a double 'l' sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize as a cognate.

Écriture 4/5

Requires remembering the accent and the 'que + subjunctive' rule.

Expression orale 3/5

Must get the stress on the 'ló' correct.

Écoute 2/5

Clear pronunciation in most dialects.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

lógico razón idea pensar que

Apprends ensuite

absurdo coherente irracional subjuntivo consecuencia

Avancé

falacia silogismo incongruencia paradójico intrínseco

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective Agreement

El plan ilógico / La idea ilógica.

Subjunctive with Impersonal Expressions

Es ilógico que él *vaya*.

Written Accents (Esdrújulas)

i-LÓ-gi-co (always accented).

Prefix 'i-' before 'l'

i + lógico = ilógico (not inlógico).

Neuter 'Lo' with Adjectives

Lo ilógico es su actitud.

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Exemples par niveau

Es ilógico.

It is illogical.

Simple 'Es' + adjective.

No es ilógico.

It is not illogical.

Negative 'No es' + adjective.

Un juego ilógico.

An illogical game.

Adjective follows the noun.

Una idea ilógica.

An illogical idea.

Feminine agreement with 'idea'.

¿Es ilógico?

Is it illogical?

Question form using intonation.

El gato es ilógico.

The cat is illogical.

Subject + verb + adjective.

Es un plan ilógico.

It is an illogical plan.

Noun + adjective group.

Mis amigos son ilógicos.

My friends are illogical.

Plural agreement.

Este precio es ilógico.

This price is illogical.

Using 'este' (this).

Tu respuesta es ilógica.

Your answer is illogical.

Feminine agreement with 'respuesta'.

Es ilógico caminar bajo la lluvia sin paraguas.

It is illogical to walk in the rain without an umbrella.

Es ilógico + infinitive.

Pienso que tu plan es ilógico.

I think that your plan is illogical.

Expressing an opinion with 'Pienso que'.

Los exámenes son ilógicos a veces.

Exams are illogical sometimes.

Plural masculine agreement.

Es ilógico comprar comida si no tienes hambre.

It is illogical to buy food if you are not hungry.

Conditional 'si' clause.

Esa regla es ilógica.

That rule is illogical.

Using 'esa' (that).

Sus razones me parecen ilógicas.

Their reasons seem illogical to me.

Verb 'parecer' + indirect object 'me'.

Es ilógico que no vengas a la fiesta.

It's illogical that you aren't coming to the party.

Subjunctive 'vengas' after 'Es ilógico que'.

Me parece ilógico que cierren la tienda hoy.

It seems illogical to me that they are closing the store today.

Subjunctive 'cierren' after 'Me parece ilógico que'.

Es ilógico que el gobierno no ayude más.

It is illogical that the government doesn't help more.

Subjunctive 'ayude'.

Actuaste de manera ilógica ayer.

You acted in an illogical way yesterday.

Adverbial phrase 'de manera ilógica'.

Lo ilógico de la situación es el ruido.

The illogical thing about the situation is the noise.

Neuter 'lo' + adjective used as a noun.

Es ilógico que todavía no hayamos terminado.

It is illogical that we haven't finished yet.

Present perfect subjunctive 'hayamos terminado'.

No quiero tomar una decisión ilógica.

I don't want to make an illogical decision.

Noun + adjective as object of the verb.

Sus argumentos son totalmente ilógicos.

His arguments are totally illogical.

Use of intensifier 'totalmente'.

Resulta ilógico que se invierta tanto dinero en armas.

It turns out to be illogical that so much money is invested in weapons.

Verb 'resultar' + impersonal 'se' passive.

Es ilógico que no se haya tomado ninguna medida preventiva.

It is illogical that no preventive measure has been taken.

Negative passive subjunctive.

Considero que su comportamiento fue del todo ilógico.

I consider that his behavior was entirely illogical.

Phrase 'del todo' (entirely).

Sería ilógico ignorar estas advertencias.

It would be illogical to ignore these warnings.

Conditional 'sería'.

Lo que dices es ilógico, dadas las circunstancias actuales.

What you say is illogical, given the current circumstances.

Prepositional phrase 'dadas las...'.

Es ilógico que el sistema falle tan a menudo.

It is illogical that the system fails so often.

Subjunctive 'falle'.

No es tan ilógico como parece a primera vista.

It's not as illogical as it seems at first glance.

Comparison 'tan... como'.

Su postura es ilógica y contradictoria.

His stance is illogical and contradictory.

Coordinated adjectives.

El planteamiento de la novela me pareció profundamente ilógico.

The novel's premise seemed profoundly illogical to me.

Adverb 'profundamente' modifying the adjective.

Es ilógico que se pretenda resolver el conflicto sin diálogo.

It is illogical to expect to resolve the conflict without dialogue.

Subjunctive 'pretenda'.

La estructura del edificio es ilógica desde el punto de vista arquitectónico.

The building's structure is illogical from an architectural point of view.

Complex prepositional phrase.

A menudo, la burocracia nos obliga a seguir procesos ilógicos.

Often, bureaucracy forces us to follow illogical processes.

Verb 'obligar a'.

Es ilógico que la empresa despida a sus mejores empleados.

It is illogical that the company is firing its best employees.

Subjunctive 'despida'.

Su reacción, aunque ilógica, fue comprensible dadas las presiones.

His reaction, although illogical, was understandable given the pressures.

Concessive clause with 'aunque'.

Resulta ilógico que aún persistan tales prejuicios en nuestra sociedad.

It turns out to be illogical that such prejudices still persist in our society.

Subjunctive 'persistan'.

Lo ilógico de su teoría radica en la falta de pruebas empíricas.

The illogicality of his theory lies in the lack of empirical evidence.

Verb 'radicar en'.

Se antoja ilógico que, en pleno siglo XXI, existan tales desigualdades.

It seems illogical that, in the middle of the 21st century, such inequalities exist.

Verb 'antojarse' (to seem/feel like).

La propuesta legislativa incurre en contradicciones ilógicas.

The legislative proposal falls into illogical contradictions.

Verb 'incurrir en'.

Es ilógico que se supedite el bienestar social a intereses puramente económicos.

It is illogical that social welfare is made subordinate to purely economic interests.

Subjunctive 'supedite'.

Su discurso, trufado de argumentos ilógicos, no convenció a nadie.

His speech, riddled with illogical arguments, convinced no one.

Participle 'trufado de' (stuffed/riddled with).

Resulta del todo ilógico que no se haya articulado una respuesta coordinada.

It turns out to be entirely illogical that a coordinated response hasn't been articulated.

Perfect subjunctive 'haya articulado'.

La trama se desenvuelve a través de una serie de eventos ilógicos.

The plot unfolds through a series of illogical events.

Verb 'desenvolverse' (to unfold).

Es ilógico que se ignore el consenso científico en esta materia.

It is illogical that scientific consensus is ignored on this matter.

Subjunctive 'ignore'.

Lo ilógico de la burocracia alcanzó ayer cotas kafkianas.

The illogicality of bureaucracy reached Kafkaesque heights yesterday.

Metaphorical use of 'cotas' (heights/levels).

Collocations courantes

comportamiento ilógico

razonamiento ilógico

conclusión ilógica

miedo ilógico

sistema ilógico

planteamiento ilógico

totalmente ilógico

resultar ilógico

parecer ilógico

argumento ilógico

Phrases Courantes

¡Es ilógico!

— That's illogical! Used to express disbelief or frustration.

¡Es ilógico que nos cobren tanto!

No tiene nada de ilógico.

— There's nothing illogical about it. Used to defend a point.

No tiene nada de ilógico ahorrar para el futuro.

Por ilógico que parezca...

— As illogical as it may seem... Used to introduce a surprising fact.

Por ilógico que parezca, el agua caliente se congela antes.

Caer en lo ilógico.

— To fall into the illogical. Used when an argument stops making sense.

Su discurso cayó en lo ilógico al final.

Nada más ilógico que...

— Nothing more illogical than... Used for strong comparisons.

Nada más ilógico que mentir cuando ya se sabe la verdad.

Sería ilógico no hacerlo.

— It would be illogical not to do it. Used to justify an action.

Sería ilógico no aprovechar esta oferta.

Lo ilógico del asunto.

— The illogical part of the matter. Used to focus on the flaw.

Lo ilógico del asunto es que nadie se dio cuenta.

Parecerle ilógico a alguien.

— To seem illogical to someone. Used for personal opinions.

A Juan le parece ilógico este cambio.

Un giro ilógico.

— An illogical turn. Used for plot twists or changes in events.

La historia dio un giro ilógico.

Razonar de forma ilógica.

— To reason in an illogical way. Describes the process.

Estás razonando de forma ilógica.

Souvent confondu avec

ilógico vs absurdo

Absurdo is more 'ridiculous', ilógico is more 'flawed reasoning'.

ilógico vs irracional

Irracional is for emotions/fears; ilógico is for structures/arguments.

ilógico vs incoherente

Incoherente means the parts don't connect; ilógico means the logic is wrong.

Expressions idiomatiques

"No tener ni pies ni cabeza"

— To have neither feet nor head. This is the most common idiom for something completely illogical.

Tu argumento no tiene ni pies ni cabeza.

informal

"Estar fuera de toda lógica"

— To be outside of all logic. Used for something extremely nonsensical.

Esa decisión está fuera de toda lógica.

formal

"Buscarle tres pies al gato"

— To look for three feet on a cat. Used when someone tries to find illogical complications where there are none.

No le busques tres pies al gato, la solución es fácil.

informal

"Ser un despropósito"

— To be a blunder or nonsense. Used for illogical actions or statements.

Este nuevo impuesto es un despropósito.

neutral

"Me suena a chino"

— It sounds like Chinese to me. Used when something is so illogical or complex it's incomprehensible.

Lo que explicas me suena a chino.

informal

"Hacer castillos en el aire"

— To build castles in the air. Used for illogical, unrealistic plans.

Deja de hacer castillos en el aire y sé realista.

neutral

"Irse por los cerros de Úbeda"

— To go over the hills of Úbeda. Used when someone's logic wanders off topic.

No te vayas por los cerros de Úbeda y contesta.

informal

"Poner el carro antes que los bueyes"

— To put the cart before the oxen. Describes an illogical order of operations.

Comprar los muebles antes que la casa es poner el carro antes que los bueyes.

neutral

"Mezclar churras con merinas"

— To mix different types of sheep. Used for an illogical comparison of unrelated things.

No mezcles churras con merinas; la política no tiene que ver con esto.

informal

"Ser harina de otro costal"

— To be flour from a different sack. Used to say a point is irrelevant/illogical to the current discussion.

Eso es harina de otro costal.

neutral

Facile à confondre

ilógico vs lógico

Opposite meanings.

Lógico means it follows reason; ilógico means it doesn't. They look similar except for the 'i'.

Es lógico estudiar; es ilógico no hacerlo.

ilógico vs ilogicidad

It's the noun form.

Ilógico is the adjective (describes something); ilogicidad is the noun (the concept of being illogical).

La ilogicidad de su argumento.

ilógico vs loco

Sometimes used to mean something doesn't make sense.

Loco means 'crazy' (person/action); ilógico is more formal and about reasoning.

Ese hombre está loco; su plan es ilógico.

ilógico vs raro

Both describe unusual things.

Raro means 'strange/unusual'; ilógico means it 'contradicts logic'.

Es un pájaro raro; es ilógico que un pájaro nade bajo el agua.

ilógico vs tonto

Both can be used to criticize.

Tonto is 'silly/stupid'; ilógico is 'not logical'.

No seas tonto; tu argumento es ilógico.

Structures de phrases

Es [adjetivo].

Es ilógico.

Este/a [sustantivo] es [adjetivo].

Esta regla es ilógica.

Es ilógico que + [presente de subjuntivo].

Es ilógico que no comas.

Resulta ilógico que + [subjuntivo].

Resulta ilógico que se pierda el tiempo así.

Lo ilógico de [sustantivo] es que [frase].

Lo ilógico de su teoría es que no tiene pruebas.

[Sustantivo], aunque [adjetivo], es [adjetivo].

Su decisión, aunque ilógica, fue valiente.

De manera [adjetivo].

Actuó de manera ilógica.

Sería ilógico + [infinitivo].

Sería ilógico comprarlo ahora.

Famille de mots

Noms

la lógica (logic)

la ilógica (illogicality - rare)

el lógico (logician)

Verbes

lograr (to achieve - related root)

razonar (to reason - related concept)

Adjectifs

lógico (logical)

ilógico (illogical)

Apparenté

el logotipo

la logística

el logaritmo

la analogía

el diálogo

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in both speech and writing.

Erreurs courantes

Las reglas son ilógico. → Las reglas son ilógicas.
Adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun they describe. 'Reglas' is feminine plural.
Es ilógico que él no viene. → Es ilógico que él no venga.
Expressions of opinion like 'es ilógico que' require the subjunctive mood.
Es un plan illógico. → Es un plan ilógico.
Spanish does not use double 'l' for this prefix. It's 'ilógico', not 'illógico'.
Su comportamiento está ilógico. → Su comportamiento es ilógico.
Being illogical is considered a characteristic of the behavior, so use 'ser' instead of 'estar'.
Pronouncing it 'EE-lo-hee-ko'. → Pronouncing it 'ee-LO-hee-ko'.
The accent mark on the 'o' means that is where the stress should be.

Astuces

Gender Agreement

Always check the noun. 'Plan' is masculine, so use 'ilógico'. 'Idea' is feminine, so use 'ilógica'. This is a common mistake for English speakers.

Use Synonyms

Try using 'absurdo' for things that are funny and 'ilógico' for things that are technically wrong. This makes your Spanish sound more natural.

Stress the 'LÓ'

The accent mark is there for a reason! Make sure you say ee-LÓ-hee-ko, not EE-lo-hee-ko.

The Subjunctive

Whenever you start a sentence with 'Es ilógico que...', the next verb must be in the subjunctive. 'Es ilógico que *vayas*' (not *vas*).

Spelling

Remember: only one 'l' in Spanish. In English it's 'illogical', but in Spanish it's 'ilógico'.

Neuter 'Lo'

Use 'Lo ilógico' to mean 'The illogical part/thing'. Example: 'Lo ilógico es que no llamó'.

Tertulias

In a Spanish 'tertulia' (debate group), 'ilógico' is a great word to challenge someone's point politely.

Prefixes

Learn the 'i-' prefix. It helps you understand other words like 'ilegal' (illegal) or 'ilegible' (illegible).

Regional Variations

The 'g' in 'ilógico' sounds like a breathy 'h' in most places, but in some parts of Spain, it's a stronger, raspier sound.

Daily Logic

When you see something that doesn't make sense today, whisper to yourself: '¡Es ilógico!' to practice the word.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine an 'i' (eye) looking at a 'lógico' (logic) puzzle and saying 'I don't see it!' because it's ilógico.

Association visuelle

A picture of a square peg trying to fit into a round hole.

Word Web

Razón Pensamiento Error Absurdo Mente Coherencia Verdad Falso

Défi

Try to find three things in your house that are 'ilógicas' (like a broken clock) and describe them in Spanish.

Origine du mot

From the Latin 'illogicus', which comes from the Greek 'alogos'.

Sens originel : Without reason or speech.

Indo-European (Italic/Hellenic roots).

Contexte culturel

Be careful when calling a person's feelings 'ilógicas', as it can sound cold or dismissive.

English speakers use 'illogical' similarly, but Spanish speakers might use it more frequently in daily complaints about systems.

Spock (Star Trek) - Known for the phrase 'Es ilógico' in Spanish dubs. Don Quijote - His logic is often described as ilógica by other characters. Salvador Dalí - His art is a celebration of the ilógico.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Debating an idea

Tu argumento es ilógico.
Eso carece de lógica.
No veo la lógica en lo que dices.
Es un razonamiento ilógico.

Complaining about rules

Esta norma es ilógica.
Es ilógico que nos pidan esto.
No tiene sentido, es ilógico.
¡Qué sistema más ilógico!

Discussing behavior

Se comporta de forma ilógica.
Su reacción fue ilógica.
No seas ilógico.
Es ilógico enfadarse por eso.

Scientific/Academic

El resultado es ilógico.
Una conclusión ilógica.
Hipótesis ilógica.
Datos ilógicos.

Movies/Stories

Un giro ilógico en la trama.
El final fue ilógico.
Un personaje ilógico.
Sucesos ilógicos.

Amorces de conversation

"¿Qué es lo más ilógico que has visto hoy?"

"¿Crees que el amor es algo lógico o ilógico?"

"Dime una regla de tu trabajo que te parezca ilógica."

"¿Alguna vez has tomado una decisión totalmente ilógica?"

"¿Qué película tiene el final más ilógico que conoces?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escribe sobre una situación en la que tuviste que seguir una regla ilógica.

¿Es posible vivir una vida puramente lógica, o necesitamos lo ilógico?

Describe un sueño ilógico que hayas tenido recientemente.

¿Por qué crees que la gente a veces actúa de manera ilógica?

Analiza un argumento político que consideres ilógico.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Se usa 'ilógica' cuando el sustantivo al que describe es femenino. Por ejemplo: 'una decisión ilógica' o 'la respuesta es ilógica'.

Sí, siempre lleva tilde en la 'o' porque es una palabra esdrújula. Las palabras esdrújulas son las que tienen el acento en la antepenúltima sílaba y siempre se acentúan.

Es una palabra de registro neutral. Se puede usar tanto en una conversación con amigos como en un informe académico o un discurso político.

'Ilógico' se refiere específicamente a un fallo en el razonamiento. 'Absurdo' es algo que es tan ilógico que resulta ridículo o imposible de creer.

Porque 'es ilógico que' expresa una valoración personal o una opinión sobre un hecho, lo cual requiere el modo subjuntivo en español.

Se dice 'ilógicamente'. Por ejemplo: 'Él se comportó ilógicamente durante la reunión'.

Normalmente se usa el verbo 'ser' (es ilógico). 'Estar ilógico' se podría usar en casos muy específicos para describir un estado temporal, pero no es común.

El antónimo directo es 'lógico'. Otros antónimos pueden ser 'razonable', 'coherente' o 'sensato'.

Sí, es un cognado del inglés 'illogical', lo que significa que tienen el mismo origen y un significado muy similar.

Sí, puedes decir 'eres un ilógico' o 'él es muy ilógico', pero suele sonar más natural decir 'él actúa de forma ilógica'.

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